Republic Day parade ends with Rafale fighter jets carrying out 'Vertical Charlie'

With COVID-19 protocols in place and the protesting farmers’ tractor march scheduled in the national capital, Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi will wear an altogether different look this year. While gravity-defying stunts by motorcycle-borne men will be missing, the spectator size too has been reduced to 25,000 from around 1.25 lakh last year. Stay tuned to live blog for latest updates.

ANI photo

India celebrated its 72nd Republic Day, the day its Constitution came into force in 1950. Owing to the coronavirus pandemic, the 72nd Republic day celebrations at Rajpath in the national capital on Tuesday witnessed a shortened programme, with no foreign guest, reduced list of events, fewer spectators, no children below under 15. The Republic Day parade also had a shorter route with fewer soldiers in the Army and Navy contingents as participants. 

India's military might, cultural diversity, social and economic progress was on display during the 72nd Republic Day celebrations at the majestic Rajpath. Apart from tableaus of Armed forces, 17 tableaus from different states and nine tableaus from different ministries/departments of the central government and Paramilitary Forces and six from Ministry of Defence also was on display during the annual parade. 

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the nation on the occasion of Republic Day. "Wishing all the people of India a Happy Republic Day. Jai Hind!" Modi tweeted.

With the national capital on Tuesday witnessing two big events--Republic Day celebrations and a farmers' tractor parade--the city has been brought under heavy security cover with the deployment of thousands of security personnel in central Delhi and several border points. An official said around 6,000 security personnel have been deployed to maintain vigil. Facial recognition systems have also been set up at vantage points for suspect identification, the official said.

A five-layer security cover was deployed in and around the city to maintain law and order, a senior police officer said.

Check out the latest updates on 72nd Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath: 

26 January 2021

12:19 IST

Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari unfurls tricolor at his residence in the national capital.

______: 72___ _______ ____ __ ____ __ ________ ______ _____ _____ __ ____ ____ __ ______ _______ #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/TRk7Q9oagX

- ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) January 26, 2021

12:18 IST

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel unfurled the national flag in Baster today, on Republic Day.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel unfurled the national flag in Baster today, on #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/OclldnzoRA

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

12:18 IST

Australian PM greets India on 72nd Republic Day 

What wonderful coincidence it's of our history that Jan 26 Australia Day, is India's Republic Day, a national day shared between friends. Australia-India share more than national day. We pursue same ideals-democracy, freedom, liberty, diversity, enterprise, opportunity. Our history is long and our connections are many. With each year, we become even closer. The global pandemic has not divided us but has made us appreciate these shared ideals even more: Australian PMScott Morrison

11:54 IST

Republic Day parade ends with Rafale fighters jets carrying out a 'Vertical Charlie'.

11:44 IST

Republic Day parade culminates with a single Rafale aircraft flying at a speed of 900km/hr carrying out a ‘Vertical Charlie’. The aircraft is piloted by Gp Capt Harkirat Singh, Shaurya Chakra, Commanding Officer of 17 Squadron with Sqn Ldr Kislaykant.

#RepublicDay parade culminates with a single Rafale aircraft flying at a speed of 900km/hr carrying out a ‘Vertical Charlie’. The aircraft is piloted by Gp Capt Harkirat Singh, Shaurya Chakra, Commanding Officer of 17 Squadron with Sqn Ldr Kislaykant. pic.twitter.com/ochv25VhkT

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

11:34 IST

The ‘Trinetra’ formation comprising of three Su-30MKIs - the three aircraft split outwards and upwards, forming a ‘Trishul in the Sky’. The formation is led by Gp Capt AK Misra. Commanding Officer of 15 Squadron with Sqn Ldr RC Kulkarni.

The ‘Trinetra’ formation comprising of three Su-30MKIs - the three aircraft split outwards and upwards, forming a ‘Trishul in the Sky’. The formation is led by Gp Capt AK Misra. Commanding Officer of 15 Squadron with Sqn Ldr RC Kulkarni. #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/82BwnSt8Xv

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

11:33 IST

UK PM Boris Johnson greets India on Republic Day: 

Today as India celebrates Republic Day and the birth of the extraordinary Constitution that established your nation as the biggest sovereign democracy in the world, I want to offer my sincere greetings to a country that is very close to my heart: UK PM Boris Johnson 

11:32 IST

Delhi: With the theme of 'Aatma-Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: COVID' the tableau of the Department of Biotechnology depicts the process of #COVID19 Vaccine development through various processes.

Delhi: With the theme of 'Aatma-Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: COVID' the tableau of the Department of Biotechnology depicts the process of #COVID19 Vaccine development through various processes. #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/xBqTeXIVxq

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

11:32 IST

Ladakh: ITBP personnel celebrate #RepublicDay at the banks of Pangong Tso lake

Ladakh: ITBP personnel celebrate #RepublicDay at the banks of Pangong Tso lake pic.twitter.com/MjDtGLYGry

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

11:01 IST

Designed after the theme 'Ayodhya: Cultural Heritage of Uttar Pradesh', the tableau of Uttar Pradesh also displays Ram Mandir. The forepart of the middle tableau shows Deepotsava of Ayodhya, in which millions of earthen lamps are lit.

Designed after the theme 'Ayodhya: Cultural Heritage of Uttar Pradesh', the tableau of Uttar Pradesh also displays Ram Mandir.

The forepart of the middle tableau shows Deepotsava of Ayodhya, in which millions of earthen lamps are lit. #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/FCnNOv7Z4n

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

10:57 IST

Designed after the theme 'Ayodhya: Cultural Heritage of Uttar Pradesh', the tableau of Uttar Pradesh also displays Ram Mandir. The forepart of the middle tableau shows Deepotsava of Ayodhya, in which millions of earthen lamps are lit. 

Designed after the theme 'Ayodhya: Cultural Heritage of Uttar Pradesh', the tableau of Uttar Pradesh also displays Ram Mandir.

The forepart of the middle tableau shows Deepotsava of Ayodhya, in which millions of earthen lamps are lit. #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/FCnNOv7Z4n

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

10:57 IST

Tableau of Punjab showcases the glory of 9th Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur. The tableau has the theme '400th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur'. The end of the trailer shows Gurdwara Sri Rakab Ganj Sahib, the site of cremation of Guru Tegh Bahadur.

Tableau of Punjab showcases the glory of 9th Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur. The tableau has the theme '400th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur'.

The end of the trailer shows Gurdwara Sri Rakab Ganj Sahib, the site of cremation of Guru Tegh Bahadur.#RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/LAY7WkeKHF

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

10:56 IST

Republic Day: A replica of the Sun Temple at Modhera displayed on the Gujarat tableau. The tableau depicts the Sabhamandap, part of the Sun Temple. It’s 52 pillars denote 52 weeks of a Solar year.

Republic Day: A replica of the Sun Temple at Modhera displayed on the #Gujarat tableau

The tableau depicts the Sabhamandap, part of the Sun Temple. It’s 52 pillars denote 52 weeks of a Solar year. pic.twitter.com/ga2jBMz75G

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

10:56 IST

The display of cultural tableaux begins at #RepublicDay parade, with Ladakh leading. It's the first-ever tableau of the UT. It shows Ladakh's culture & communal harmony besides art & architecture, languages & dialects, customs & costumes, fairs & festivals, literature, music.

The display of cultural tableaux begins at #RepublicDay parade, with Ladakh leading. It's the first-ever tableau of the UT.

It shows Ladakh's culture & communal harmony besides art & architecture, languages & dialects, customs & costumes, fairs & festivals, literature, music. pic.twitter.com/jdBN8KFlE4

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

10:55 IST

Republic Day 2021: NCC Girls marching contingent led by Senior Under Officer Samruddhi Harshal Sant of NCC Directorate, Maharashtra

#RepublicDay: NCC Girls marching contingent led by Senior Under Officer Samruddhi Harshal Sant of NCC Directorate, Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/W3kUExxW9g

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

10:55 IST

DRDO contingent this year consists of two Tableaus: Light Combat Aircraft-Navy - Take off from INS Vikramaditya and Anti-Tank Guided Missiles.

DRDO contingent this year consists of two Tableaus: Light Combat Aircraft-Navy - Take off from INS Vikramaditya and Anti-Tank Guided Missiles. #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/YgaQq7MIAl

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

10:54 IST

Delhi: A contingent of the National Security Guard (NSG) also known as the Black Cat Commandoes march down Rajpath. The Force was raised in 1984

Delhi: A contingent of the National Security Guard (NSG) also known as the Black Cat Commandoes march down Rajpath. The Force was raised in 1984 pic.twitter.com/2KRnnPAWZU

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

10:54 IST

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar unfurls the national flag on Republic Day in Kolkata; Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also present.

Kolkata: West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar unfurls the national flag on Republic Day; Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also present pic.twitter.com/q0KXiGA3sp

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

10:53 IST

The Camel contingent of the Border Security Force under the command of Deputy Commandant Ghanshyam Singh, at Rajpath on Republic Day.

The Camel contingent of the Border Security Force under the command of Deputy Commandant Ghanshyam Singh, at Rajpath on #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/cHIXYi6D2w

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

10:53 IST

Delhi: Indian Navy's tableau with the theme of ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ being displayed at Republic Day parade. The trailer of tableau showcases Navy’s principal combatant in 1971 war, INS Vikrant conducting flying operations with Sea Hawk and Alize aircrafts.

Delhi: Indian Navy's tableau with the theme of ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ being displayed at #RepublicDay parade.

The trailer of tableau showcases Navy’s principal combatant in 1971 war, INS Vikrant conducting flying operations with Sea Hawk and Alize aircrafts. pic.twitter.com/oEaMUTLKFU

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

10:52 IST

Republic Day: Flt Lt Bhawna Kanth, one of the first three female fighter pilots of the country, is part of the Indian Air Force tableau at the Republic Day parade

#RepublicDay: Flt Lt Bhawna Kanth, one of the first three female fighter pilots of the country, is part of the Indian Air Force tableau at the Republic Day parade pic.twitter.com/60JSBMVtvZ

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

10:51 IST

Captain Preeti Choudhary of 140 Air Defence Regiment (Self Propelled) leads upgraded Schilka Weapon system. She is the only woman contingent commander from Army at Republic Day parade 2021. Schilka Weapon system is equipped with modern radar and digital fire control computers.

Captain Preeti Choudhary of 140 Air Defence Regiment (Self Propelled) leads upgraded Schilka Weapon system. She is the only woman contingent commander from Army at #RepublicDay parade 2021.

Schilka Weapon system is equipped with modern radar and digital fire control computers. pic.twitter.com/2FKa38lXA8

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

10:51 IST

Delhi: Farmers carry out tractor parade at Ghazipur border amid high security deployment. They are following the Ghazipur border-Apsra border-Hapur Road-IMS College-Lal Kuan-Ghazipur border route

Delhi: Farmers carry out tractor parade at Ghazipur border amid high security deployment. They are following the Ghazipur border-Apsra border-Hapur Road-IMS College-Lal Kuan-Ghazipur border route pic.twitter.com/GTB6iQyDwV

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

10:50 IST

Delhi: Naval Brass Band led by Sumesh Rajan, Master Chief Petty Officer (Musician), playing the Indian Navy Song tune ‘Jai Bharti’ marches down Rajpath

Delhi: Naval Brass Band led by Sumesh Rajan, Master Chief Petty Officer (Musician), playing the Indian Navy Song tune ‘Jai Bharti’ marches down Rajpath#RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/iRJmBcKAR1

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

10:50 IST

The marching contingent Garhwal Rifles is led by Captain Rajpoot Saurabh Singh of 17th Battalion.

#RepublicDay parade: The marching contingent Garhwal Rifles is led by Captain Rajpoot Saurabh Singh of 17th Battalion pic.twitter.com/52x7k2KXLS

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

10:27 IST

Republic Day celebrations: Pinaka Multi Launcher Rocket System of 841 Rocket Regiment(Pinaka)being led by Captain Vibhor Gulati. 214 mm Pinaka MBRL is one of the most advanced rocket systems in world. A fully automated system, it can deliver firepower within a short span of time over large area.

10:26 IST

The Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the Brahmos Missile system is led by Captain Quamrul Zaman. This missile has been developed as a joint venture between India and Russia. It has a maximum range of 400 km.

#RepublicDay: The Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the Brahmos Missile system is led by Captain Quamrul Zaman.

This missile has been developed as a joint venture between India and Russia. It has a maximum range of 400 km. pic.twitter.com/EMc4zfnhCo

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

10:26 IST

Marching Contingent and Band of Bangladesh Army participate in Republic Day parade. The contingent is being led by Lt Col Abu Mohammed Shahnoor Shawan. The 122-member strong contingent is participating in the parade for the first time.

10:25 IST

The main battle tank of the Indian Army, T- 90 Bhishma, which is commanded by Captain Karanveer Singh Bhangu of 54 Armoured Regiment goes past the saluting dais.

#RepublicDay: The main battle tank of the Indian Army, T- 90 Bhishma, which is commanded by Captain Karanveer Singh Bhangu of 54 Armoured Regiment goes past the saluting dais pic.twitter.com/yNoifXRy5d

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

10:24 IST

Winners of the Param Vir Chakra and the Ashok Chakra parade down Rajpath. Param Vir Chakra is awarded for acts of bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy. Ashok Chakra awarded for similar acts of valour and self-sacrifice but, other than,in the face of the enemy.

#RepublicDay: Winners of the Param Vir Chakra & the Ashok Chakra parade down Rajpath

Param Vir Chakra is awarded for acts of bravery & self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy. Ashok Chakra awarded for similar acts of valour&self-sacrifice but, other than,in the face of the enemy pic.twitter.com/aOL1CugWE6

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

10:23 IST

Lieutenant General Vijay Kumar Mishra, leads this year's Republic Day parade, as the Parade Commander.

Delhi: Lieutenant General Vijay Kumar Mishra, leads this year's #RepublicDay parade, as the Parade Commander. pic.twitter.com/zmdY9XnisQ

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

10:05 IST

Delhi: 21 Gun Salute presented by Ceremonial Battery of 223 Field Regiment following the unfurling of the national flag. The 21 Gun Salute is also presented during Independence Day and visits of foreign Heads of State.

Delhi: 21 Gun Salute presented by Ceremonial Battery of 223 Field Regiment following the unfurling of the national flag.

The 21 Gun Salute is also presented during Independence Day and visits of foreign Heads of State. https://t.co/QKVGyhGBy1 pic.twitter.com/C55p7Ej6KE

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

09:54 IST

Republic Day 2021: The Tricolour unfurled at Rajpath in the presence of President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries, on 72nd Republic Day. 

Delhi: The Tricolour unfurled at Rajpath in the presence of President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries, on 72nd #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/h4FjOzRI2B

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

09:54 IST

President Ram Nath Kovind, PM Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrive at Rajpath.

09:49 IST

Visuals: PM Narendra Modi at National War Memorial

प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi ने आज 72वें गणतंत्र दिवस के अवसर पर राष्ट्रीय समर स्मारक पर शहीद सैनिकों को श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित की। #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/JVQQsx0dHP

— BJP (@BJP4India) January 26, 2021

09:48 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi signs the ceremonial book at the National War Memorial at the India Gate. Defence Minister, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Navy Staff also present.

#RepublicDay: Prime Minister Narendra Modi signs the ceremonial book at the National War Memorial at the India Gate

Defence Minister, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Navy Staff also present pic.twitter.com/99Fp8ZCPXX

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

09:42 IST

BJP National President JP Nadda unfurls the national flag on 72nd Republic Day at BJP headquarters in New Delhi.

BJP National President Shri @JPNadda unfurls the national flag on 72nd #RepublicDay at BJP headquarters in New Delhi. pic.twitter.com/11IlfjKYks

— BJP (@BJP4India) January 26, 2021

09:41 IST

PM Narendra Modi pays homage to martyrs at National War Memorial

PM Shri @narendramodi pays homage to the martyrs at the National War Memorial on 72nd #RepublicDay. https://t.co/L2zeOF6cA7

— BJP (@BJP4India) January 26, 2021

09:16 IST

President Ram Nath Kovind to arrive at Rajpath at 10 am.

08:41 IST

Preparations in the final stage for the Republic Day parade at Rajpath; seating arrangement made keeping social distancing in mind

Delhi: Preparations in the final stage for the #RepublicDay parade at #Rajpath; seating arrangement made keeping social distancing in mind pic.twitter.com/gOmWRGVwHg

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

08:40 IST

Security tightened across the national capital on Republic Day. Visuals from North Avenue.

Delhi: Security tightened across the national capital on #RepublicDay . Visuals from North Avenue. pic.twitter.com/hvqOTdUnEI

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

08:39 IST

Delhi Police erected a temporary wall to seal Karnal bypass to stop the entry of vehicles into the national capital.

08:38 IST

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot hoists tricolour at CM residence in Jaipur. 

Rajasthan: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot hoists the Tricolour at CM residence in Jaipur. #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/Y7yI0nBAS9

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

08:38 IST

Farmers' tractors with Tricolour ready for Republic Day tractor rally in protest against the Centre's farm laws. Visuals from Chilla border on Delhi-Noida Link Road.

Farmers' tractors with Tricolour ready for #RepublicDay tractor rally in protest against the Centre's Farm Laws; visuals from Chilla border on Delhi-Noida Link Road pic.twitter.com/h4CvZGLGdI

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

08:37 IST

Delhi-UP Ghazipur border: Protesting farmers to hold tractor rally today. Farmers at Ghazipur border to follow the route -Gazipur border-Apsra border-Hapur Road-IMS College-Lal Kuan-Gazipur border.

Delhi-UP Ghazipur border: Protesting farmers to hold tractor rally today

Farmers at Ghazipur border to follow the route -Gazipur border-Apsra border-Hapur Road-IMS College-Lal Kuan-Gazipur border#RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/lA2biZa0qf

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

08:31 IST

Heavy security deployed in New Delhi

New Delhi has been brought under heavy security cover with the deployment of thousands of security personnel. Patrolling has been intensified at power substations in Delhi following a threat from the banned Sikhs for Justice outfit to disrupt the city's supply during the Republic Day celebrations. An official said around 6,000 security personnel have been deployed to maintain vigil. Facial recognition systems have also been set up at vantage points for suspect identification, the official said.

08:31 IST

Security tightened in and around central Delhi

Delhi: Security heightened at Connaught Place and Mother Teresa Crescent Marg on #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/vZ6rtv1CtZ

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021

07:50 IST

07:49 IST

07:36 IST

JAP to hold tractor rally in Patna on Republic Day

Ahead of the scheduled tractor rally by the agitating farmers in the national capital on Republic Day, Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) led by its chief Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav announced to hold a tractor rally in Patna on Tuesday. The rally will start from the Patna Art College and go to Veerchand Patel Path, Patna Junction and Dak Banglow Chowk before terminating at the Gandhi Maidan.

07:32 IST

Republic Day celebration schedule:

9:00 am-9.27 am: Commentary
9.27 am-9.45 am: NWM wreath-laying
9.52 am: Arrival of PM near the main dais
9.55 am: Arrival of President
10:00 am: Unfurling of the national flag
10:00 am-11.30 am: Main Parade and Tableaus
11.25 am: Flypast

07:32 IST

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson greets India on Republic Day

The UK and India are working side by side to free humanity from the coronavirus pandemic, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a special reference to the vaccine collaboration in his Republic Day message on Tuesday.

Johnson was due to be in New Delhi as the chief guest at the annual parade to mark the India's 71st Republic Day but had to call off the visit to focus on the domestic crisis unleashed by the emergence of a new, deadlier variant of coronavirus in the UK at the end of last year.

07:31 IST

Delhi Metro services to be partially curtailed

Delhi Metro services will be partially curtailed on January 26 due to security arrangements for Republic Day as part of which four stations in the vicinity of Rajpath will down shutters in the morning hours.

The stations are Central Secretariat, Udyog Bhawan, Patel Chowk and Lok Kalyan Marg. In addition to that, all metro parking lots have been closed from 6 am on Monday and will remain shut till 2 pm on January 26, the DMRC said on Sunday. 

07:30 IST

India to show military might, cultural heritage at R-Day parade

India will show its military might on Tuesday with Rafale fighter jets taking part in the Republic Day flypast for the the first time and the armed forces showcasing T-90 tanks, the Samvijay electronic warfare system, Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets, among others, said the Defence ministry on Monday.

Total 32 tableaus -- 17 from states and union territories, six from the Defence ministry and nine from other Union ministries and paramilitary forces -- depicting the nation's rich cultural heritage, economic progress and defence prowess will roll down the Rajpath at the Republic Day parade, the ministry said in a statement.